Cove Rangers 1 - 5 Dundee: Tannadice defeat out of system, says Baird

Published on 23/07/2012 00:31

DUNDEE dismissed their Highland League hosts with some ease at Allan Park, striking first after 20 minutes as Ryan Conroy played in John Baird, who rounded goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie before netting from close range.

Eight minutes later, Graham Webster rose to steer home Nicky Riley’s cross.

Cove came out brightly at the start of the second half and pulled a goal back with Jordan Leydon’s low finish.

Conroy then found the net with a sweet 25-yard free-kick after Lee Smith had brought down Baird.

Two minutes later, Conroy turned provider, his cross flicked on by Leighton McIntosh before the unmarked Riley fired home.

Baird capped the win with a deft lob over Cove substitute keeper Timmy Capstick in injury time.

Dens Park boss Barry Smith said: “The purpose of these games, above all, is to get the boys match fit.

“I think we showed today that, the longer the game went on, the stronger we got.”